Washington, D.C.

St. Louis, MO

Mean annual income: $44,200

Median price for a one-bedroom apartment: $960

Unemployment rate: 7%

As this list is based specifically on criteria to assist in landing full time work and making fiscally responsible decisions upon graduation, I would be remiss by not mentioning a major factor which led me to the city I always wanted to live in (which is not on this list), despite the lack of opportunities at that time and that’s passion.

Rashida Maples, Esq. is Founder and Managing Partner of J. Maples & Associates (www.jmaplesandassociates.com). She has practiced Entertainment, Real Estate and Small Business Law for 9 years, handling both transactional and litigation matters. Her clients include R&B Artists Bilal and Olivia, NFL Superstar Ray Lewis, Fashion Powerhouse Harlem’s Fashion Row and Hirschfeld Properties, LLC.